FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 49

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. MATCHES AT DUNEDIN. Maoris v. Otago—July 14. Southland v. Otago —August 11. Wairarapa v. Otago—September 1. Manawatu v. Otago—September 5. South Canterbury v. Otago—September 15. First test match, New Zealand v. New South Wales —-August 25. OTHER MATCHES. Otago v. Canterbury, August 25; v. Taranaki, August 29; v. Auckland, September 1; v. Wanganui, September 5; v. Wellington, September 8. Payne trophy match, between premier teams of Otago and Canterbury (at Christchurch) —September 15. South v. North Island (Wellington) —August 4. TEAMS IN AUSTRALIA. N.Z University team in New South Wales—May 26, v. Sydney University; June 2. v. Sydney University; June 4-, New Zealand and Sydney Universities v. New South Wales. Maori team leaves for N.S.W. June 11. NOTES. By Faun Back A great deal of comment has been passed on one of Referee Haub’s rulings in the match btween Kaikorai and Pirates. Pirates had had a kick at goal from a try, and kicked off again from the centre. The ball went to Crossan, the Kaikorai full back, who took it with one knee on the ground. I do not think that Crossan marked the ball ■ —be simply took it on the fly. The referee then blew bis whistle and gave a free kick against Crossan. Mr Haub, I understand, maintains that a player can only play the bail when he has two feet on the ground, and that is correct if he intends to take a mark—the particular rule regarding a mask reads: "A player may not claim a fair catch when on one knee.” Mr Haub’s interpretation, however, goes too far. I remember that Watson, the Otago full back, claimed a mark in a jejiresen tative match a year or two ago, but as he had one knee on the ground he did not get it. A free kick was not given against Watson on this occasion, however. He was pulled down, and the visiting team scored. 1 cannot follow Mr Ilaub's suggestion that a player must always have two feet on the ground before he can play the ball. What about the man who throws himself on the ball to stop a rush? I certainly have no desire to harsiiJy criticise Mr Haub —he is indeed to be congratulated for inflicting penalties for obstructing, illegal tackling, holding, when a man has got rid of the ball, and ‘‘dumping”—but he. with other referees, should certainly remember that the laws of the game have to be interpreted in the spirit of the game. Wellington Marists are now playing M'Cleary, the Wellington representative half back, on the wing. Williams, the dashing Kaikorai forward, is laid aside with an injury to his leg. Ho hopes to be in play again in a week or two. In a match between University A and Union, Sinclair placed seven goals. When the 1905 All Blacks toured England they were allowed three shillings a day, that course being adopted because a similar payment was made to the 1904 British team bv the English Rugby Union themselves. The South African team when they travelled through New Zealand two years ago were granted an allowance of four shillings a day while on tour. The biggest Australasian gate in any form of football topped £6OOO, when the last English Rugby League team played in Sydney. Tlie biggest in England is close on £IO.OOO. The gate at the match between Wales and Franee, in March, at Cardiff, amounted to £4400. A few years ago it would have been regarded as remarkably large. The English Rugby Union does not publish the figures of its matches until the annual balance sheet is presented, but the figure quoted above is not half the amount taken at the recent match between England and Wales at Twickenham. That ‘‘gate” left the Twickenham records far behind. It w r as but a little short of £IO,OOO, and would seem to indicate that the Rugby game eii joys a large amount of popularity in England. Dr O’Connor, the ex-Otago and University player, is now playing with Auckland Grammar School Old Boys. Dr Park, from the Otago University, is also playing in Auckland. The English Rugby Union permits a player who knocks on the ball and catches it again before it reaches the ground to continue playing, without the whistle being blown for the kock-on. This was news to me when I read it in a booklet that has just been received from England (says “Touchline” in the Free Lance) and should relieve the minds of a lot of people who considered the New Zealand Referees’ Association exceeded their powers in giving a similar reading to the knock-on rule in these parts. The “art” of holding after a man has got rid of the ball is being fully exploited by some of our senior club forwards. There were one or two offenders on both sides in the Kaikorai-Pirates came. There can be nothing more exasperating to a player who may be dribbling the ball than to have his jersey artfully grasped and be held back. If he swings his arm round, moreover, to break the grip he runs the risk of being ordered off for rough play. Timaru Rugby Union has bought the South Canterbury Sports Ground Company’s area for a price which is stated to be £2600. W. Cunningham, the 1905 All Black, is to accompany the Maori team to New South Wales as coach. He will devote his attention mainly to the forwards, of course, but the backs will not lie forgotten. Usually in Maori teams the forwards have more to learn than the backs. It is expected that Bain- will turn out for Southern on Saturday. The death of Alick M'Lennan brings up memories of the old Union days, when “Biggie” was the Maroons’ centre threequarter, and a wonderful screw kick, with either foot. “Biggie” played some fine games in the old days, and the way he could get in his kick when the opposing pack was on top of him w>as really remarkable. I played with M'Lennan in many a hard-fought game, and can still remember how ho would spur on his more particular comrades to greater efforts. Albert M'Donald (who is now a well-known racehorse owner in the North Island) ana Charlie Peake (who died some years ago

in South Africa) used to be Che subject of many good-humoured sallies while the game was in progress. “Biggie” used to jocularly boast that although he could never get into an Otago representative team he easily held the record in Dunedin for the number of times he had played in trraj matches. In perfect weather the fourth series of matches for the Galbraith Shield were played at Invercargill on the 12t,h before an attendance of about 2000 (says the News). The kind of football the public likes, that which makes the spectators in the stand rise up in their seats, resulted in the stirring encounter, Inveroargill (Blues) and Star. Invercargill hod previously been defeated ; Star were unbeaten. With two minutes to go. Blues were in Star’s twentyfive, but Star lived up to the motto that “a game is not lost until it is won,” and broke away in a loose rush. In the fading light a Blue forward got offside in front of the posts. In a tense atmosphere, Agnew prepared for the kick. A short run and the ball soared between the posts. A drawn game—a fitting conclusion to a memorable contest! The South Otago competitions opened on the 12th under favourable weather conditions. All matches were played with the. exception of the Owaka-Toko second grade match, which was put off owing to a difficulty in obtaining conveyances. The results for the day were:—Oiutba I 23 v. Clinton 6: Owaka I 17 v. Toko I 5; Clutha II 8 v. Romahapa nil; Crescent II 8 v. Mil burn 6. Goldfields results:—Terras (6 points) brat Lowburn (nil). Naseby (9 points) beat Mataaknu.i (6 points), Cromwell (9 points) beat Alexandra (3 points), Wannka (22 points) beat Clyde (nil), Ranfurly (16 points) beat Middlemarch (5 points). In the match betweerT Tarras and I.owbum both teams were hunting for men until 3.35, and it was a case of taking anyone willing. The North Otago Sub-union contests were continued on the 12th in fine weather. Athletics beat Celtic 6 points to 3 points, and Excelsior beat Old Boys 11 points to 9 points. THE UNIVERSITIES’ TEAM. SYDNEY, May 16. The Metropolitan fifteen defeated the New Zealand Universities’ team by 20 points to 14 after an unexciting contest. Both teams lacked combination, thougn the Black forwards in the first half executed a number of fine dribbling rashes. At half-time the scores were nine points all. Thompson, Wogan, and Crossman scored lor Metropolitan, and M'Donald scored a try for New Zealand, which Iliack converted. The remaining lour points were obtained by Hopkins, who dropped a magnificent field goal from the half-way boundary. The second spell slightly favoured Metropolitan, the New Zealand threequarters neutralising effective forward work by faulty handling. The bellringer rang the bell 20 minutes before time oy mistake, the match ending abruptly. Buchanan and Thorne scored tries, which Burrows and Crossman converted. The last named also kicked a penalty goal. For New Zealand Murray scored, and Uiack converted.—A. and N.Z. Cable. May 17. It transpires that, as the New Zealanders had only left the boat on the previous night, it was agreed before yesterday’s match to play only 35 minutes each spell. In addition to this, the bellringer's mistake curtailed plaj- by a further io minutes. FIRST TEST MATCH DRAWN SYDNEY, May 19. The Rugby match between the New Zealand and Sydney Universities resulted in a draw —11 points all. This was the first test game, but the teams lacked combination, and at times play was patchy, with a tendency towards sluggishness. Sydney opened the scoring, Hesslein landing a penalty goal from inside the visitors’ twenty-five. A Sydney three-quarter line rush ended in Stanley scoring. Hesslein added the goal. Sydney 'von most of the scrums, and, as a consequence, the Blacks were called upon to perform much defensive work. A free kick for an illegal tackle gave Diack an opportunity, which he accepted. A smart effort by Murray and M'Donald took play down the field, and the latter crossed the line. Diack kicked a goal, and equalised the 6eores. The second spell was devoid of incident, and was mostly of a give-and-take nature. Sheehan got offside and gave Diack a further opportunity, and New Zealafid led by II points to 8. In the Inst five minutes, however, Foote scored for the Blues, but the kick at goal failed.—A. and N.Z. Cable. FOOTBALL IN CZECHO-SLOVAKIA PRAGUE, May 16. In the presence of 16,000 spectators tlie West Ham United Association football team defeated Slavia by 3 goals to nil. POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams engaged in the senior grade competition :

KAIKORAI v. ALHAMBRA Kaikorai and Alhambra played at Cavisbrook under ideal football weather conditions, but the ground was a little greasy on top. The game ended in a draw, the scoring being: Kaikorai 6 points. Alhambra 6 points. UNIVERSITY A v. SOUTHERN. The first half of the match between University A and Southern, which was played at Tahuna, was about as one-sided as a football match could be. The Blues were scoring almost at the rate of a point a minute, and did not seem to be exerting themselves at that. In the second half the Southern forward® played with more dash, and University with the match well in hand, did not seem to take the game very seriously. Scores : University A 45 points Southern 3 points

ZINGARI v. DUNEDIN. The Zingari-Richmond v. Dunedin match was played at Montoc-illo and resulted in a comfortable win for the former. Generally speaking there was a lack of combination on both sides, and the game was conspicuous for hard kicking, and loose, ragged play. Scores: Zingari-Richmond ... 16 points Dunedin nil UNIVERSITY B v. PIRATES. The match between University B and Pirates drew a good attendance to the Caledonian Ground on Saturday, where a keen contest was anticipated. Spectators were not disappointed except from the point of view that the scoring was somewhat one-sided. The run of the play was considerably less so, and the game always had Possibilities. University was decidedly unfortunate in losing Ward early in the game, and Pirates perhaps equally so in losing Jeffs shortly afterwards. Scores:— Pirates 29 points. University B 6 points. TAIERI ROVERS v. UNION. Taieri Rovers, playing on Tahuna No. 2 ground, defeated Union by 14 points to 5. Taieri 14 Union 5 SECOND GRADE. Alhambra 18, Pirates B nil. University D 30, Union nil. Zingari 6, Port Ohamlers 3. Training College 11, Pirates A 8. Kaikorai 19, Taieri Rovers nil. University C 14, Southern 3. THIRD GRADE. Southern 19. Dunedin nil. University E 12, Kaikorai 9. Alhambra 11, Pirates D nil. Zingari 16. Training College nil. Pirates C 47, University F nil. Green Island 11, Ravensbourno 9. Alhambra A 17, Pirates nil. Southern A 3, Port Chalmers A nil. Y.M.C.A. (A) 23, Taieri Rovers 5. Port Chalmers B 9, Alhambra B nil. FOURTH GRADE Zingari A 14, Dunedin A nil. Fraser. Mattingly, Bremner, and Murray scored for the winners. Ball converted one. Southern B 15, Kaikorai 11. Union 8, Kaikorai nil. FIFTH GRADE. Southern 18, Port Chalmers 5. Union 21, Y.M.C.A. nil. Dunedin D 26, Zingari-Richmond 3. For Dunedin O’Connor (2), Brown (2), Hayes (1), Ronaldson (1) scored. O’Connor converted four tries. E. M‘Kewen, Cusack, and O’Connor displayed fine form. SOUTH OTAGO. Senior Grade.—Crescent 9, Owaka 3; Toko 14, Clinton 3; Clutha, a bye. Junior Grade—Crescent “19, Owaka 5: Romahapa 6, Toko 0; Milburn 9, Clutha 5. IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND, May 20. Grammar 6 drew with Ponsonby 6. University 9 beat College Rifles 5. Grafton 27 beat North Shore 3. Newton 8 beat Suburbs 0. Marists 52 beat Eden 0. WELLINGTON, May 20. Ponckc 9 defeated Athletic 8. Berhampora 9 defeated Wellington 0. I’etona 13 defeated Old Boys 6. Marists 14 defeated Hutt 0. Oriental 9 defeated Selvvvn 0. CHRISTCHURCH, May 19. Old Boys 14 drew with Merivale 14, after a most exciting game. Christchurch 40 defeated North Canterbury 3. Marists 8 defeated Albion 0. Linwood 9 beat Sydenham-Lyttelton 0. 'TIMARU, May 20. Old Boys 17 defeated Wai-iti 3. Zingari 20 defeated Ternuka 0. Celtic 5 defeated Star 0. INVERCARGILL, May 19. Pirates 9 defeated Marists 8. Vtaikivv: 5 defeated Invercargill 3. ASSOCIATION. / By Corner Kick. Fine weather, with an entire absence of wind, favoured the lifting of the curtain for the season 1923, although most of the playing areas were heavy from the recent rains. Apparently the outing to Seacliff is something more than a joy ride judging by the experience of the Old Boys’ team, on the 12th. They report the road is in a verybad state, and it was not until 4 o’clock that they arrived. 'iiie match was played in half-hour spells, and even then it was finished in semi-darkness. Taking into account the rough journey of three hours, Old Boys did well to make a draw of the game against the reported strength of Seacliff. My Kaitangata correspondent writes as follows.— That Soccer is well supported in Kaitangata was proved by the voluntary gate receipts for the Mount Zion-Kaitangata match last Saturday being £8 13s. Mr Robert M'Auley left on Tuesdav morning to join the New Zealand team for Australian fixtures, Kaitangata having the distinction of being represented in all New Zealand v. Australian tours. Mr Geo. Middlemass being the representative in previous New Zealand teams. The match on the 12th was not productive of any particularly bright play. M'Auley did not play his usual game. Tim Thomson has been seen to better advantage, but finding the line consistently did not help his forwards. Hansen was a tower of strength as centre half, being particularly good on defence. Slovens was putting in beautiful centres, but the centre and inside men seemed to be out of place. Prescot was too well watched to do much, but tile goal he scored was done in his usual fast following up style. Being the first match of the season, and the ground slippery after the floods, first class form was not to he expected. Kaitangata and Mount Zion are looking forward to all teams fulfilling their engagements this season. Each Dunedin team travels twice during the season, while Kaitangata and Mount Zion have each t.o travel eight times. Signs that the Soccer game is still spreading. A letter was received at Monday’s meeting of the executive that a club to be named the Oamaru Rangers’ Football Club had been formed at Oamaru, and asking for visits from Dunedin teams. A second letter which, however, did not give the name of the club, but apparently referred to the above, was also received, mentioning that the membership totalled 43. and that visits from both senior and junior teams

would be welcome. The executive unanimously decided to send a team at an early date. Meantime I throw out the suggestion that this would fee a good opportunity for town dubs who have the bye, to fill m the off Saturdays, as the trip can be done in one day. I have been shown a portion of a letter received in Dunedin from one of last year’s juniors who is at present, stationed at Denniston, on the West Coast. He states:— "Most of the matches here are played on Sundays, and though the Rugby ‘is undoubtedly second class, the Soccer is of the best type. The Scots and Welsh make things hum. and the standard of the game si vrev high. Clever arid untiring, these solid miners make a game of football real good and educative to watch and I can tell you I don’t miss many.” Apparently the new arrivals from Horne are making their presence felt in their national game and no doubt in the near future we may expect to see some West Coast representatives in New Zealand teams. Morning-ton Club intend to travel to In vereargill and play a match with the local players on June 4. Messrs Balk, Drydon, and Donaldson, the Dunedin representatives in the New Zealand team for Australia, were entertained at a joint social evening by their respective clubs on Saturday, when opportunity was taken to wish them “bon voyage” and to present, them with tokens of regard. Along with M'Auley, the representative from Kaitangata, they left Dunedin by the first express on Wednesday and were accorded a hearty send-off. The following rulings in connection with the laws of the game have been received from the N.Z.IF.A. Law 1. —It having been reported to the council that it was becoming a practice to allow substitutes to take the place of players injured during the game, the council decided that such a practice was contrary t_> the laws of the game, and that it be not permitted in competition matches. Law 17.—The attention of tire council hav'ng been called to the practice of players taking penalty kick in such a way that the goal would not be scored .and so defeating the intention of the law, the council drew attention to the following official decision printed on page 26 of the Referees’ Chart: “Unless the penalty kick is taken in accordance with the law tlie referee mustorder the ball back until it is properly taken.” The council also decided that a player who disregards the instruction of the referee must lie reported by the referee to the Football Association to which tlie club is affiliated. The council considered the practice of players lining up on. the penalty line to impede a player when taking a penalty kick. It was decided that such a practice was not in accordance with the intention of the laws of the game and must be discontinued. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, May 16. At the meeting of the New Zealand Football Association, Mr R. B. Bunt (Canterbury) wrote quoting the remarks alleged by schoolboys to have been made by their masters when asked to aid the formation of school Soccer teams. Among the remarks alleged were: (1) Boys attending this school must play Rugby; (2) boys wishing to play Soccer had better leave this school ; (3) boys attending this school who- play Soccer are disloyal to the school; (4) Rugby is the national game in New Zealand, and this school recognises no other game; (5) boys playing Soccer have been detained in school on days when their competition matches took place, and Rugby boys were let out early. It was decided to place the letter in the hands of the deputation which is to meet the Minister of Education, to discuss with him the matter of Soccer in schools. VISITING TEAMS WELLINGTON, May 16. At a meeting of the New Zealand Football Association to-night it was decided to authorise the manager and assistant manager of the New Zealand team going to Australia (Messrs Mayer and Graves) to negotiate with the Commonwealth Football Association regarding the transfer of the Canadian team to Australia for a tour of about five weeks, and also for the transfer of an English amateur team from Australia to New Zealand in 1924. The New Zealand Council had offered to take over an English team at Sydney, and pay Australia £IOOO, hut the Australian authorities had replied that they were not prepared to accept those terms, and preferred to adhere to the pooling system. , Iffie New Zealand team is to be given a civic send-off to-morrow by the Mayor of Wellington, and sails for Sydney by the Marama at 11 a.m. on Friday. Jlie following table shows the positions of the First Grade teams to date:

FIRST GRADE. OLD BOYS v. NORTHERN. The Gardens ground made a wonderful recovery after the floods, and was in fairly match. Result:— Old Boys 3 goals. Northern 2 goals. SOUTHERN v. MORNINGTON. These teams met at Culling Park. Southern defended the beach end and hud the sun to contend with. Result: Draw—No score. MOUNT ZION v. MAORI HILL. This game was played at. Kaitangata before about 500 spectators. Kennedy kicked off for the Hill. A keen game enc Mount. Zion 2 goals Maori Ilill 1 goal SEACLIFF v. TAIERI. The match was played at Seacliff, and after a good, hard, and even game resulted in a win for the home team by 3 goals to 2. Result: Seacliff 3 goals Taieri 2 goals

SECOND GRADE. Technical Old Boys 4, Southern 1. Northern 3, Maori Hill 2. Mornington (4 goals) heat Old Boys (3 goals). Watt (3) and Bail lie scored for Mornington. THIRD GRADE. Post and Telegraph 6. High School nil. Taieri 1. Technical Old Boys 1. Mornington 3, Southern 1. Old Boys 3, Maori Hill nil. Y.M.C.A. 5, Northern njj. FOURTH GRADE. Northern 2, Old Boys nil. Y.M.C.A. 1. Technical Old Boys 1. Maori Hill 3, Southern 2. Norma! 2, Mornington 1. FIFTH GRADE. Mornington 8, Technical B nil. Port Convent 6, Technical A 1. High School A 3, High School B 1. Southern beat Technical D by default. Taieri 10, Technical 1. SCHOOL MATCHES. The following are the results of the two matches played : A Grade.—Musselburgh beat Maori Hill, 10—nil; Mornington beat Moray Place, 7 nil; Mornington boat George Street, 8 — 0 : Anderson’s Bay A beat Anderson’s Bay B, 11—0; Anderson’s Bay A beat Maori Hid, 3—nil; Moray Place beat Anderson’s Bay B, 2 —nil; George Street and Normal. I—l. Bantams.—Anderson’s Bay beat Mornington No. 1. 2—l; Anderson’s Bay beat Musselburgh No. 3, 2 —nil.

% £ 6 iS jo m University £ | 1 £ £ II tpc it A ... 4 4 0 0 119 17 8 Kaikorai 4 3 0 1 71 26 Zingari 4 , 3 1 0 59 21 6 Alhambra 4 2 1 1 48 20 Pirates 3 2 1 0 69 23 4 University B ... 4 2 2 0 43 65 4 Dunedin 4 1 3 0 31 61 Taieri Rovers ... 4 1 3 0 22 59 o Union 4 1* 3 0 5 97 93 2 Southern . 4 0 4 0 15 0 * Won by default against Port Chalmers

& g c o -£3 Ph p. G O o Southern 2 1 — 1 2 3 Seacliff ... 2 1 — 1 6 5 3 Old Bovs ... 2 1 — 1 6 5 3 Tairri * ... 2 1 1 — 9 6 Mount Zion ... 2 1 1 — 3 3 2 Kaifcangata ... 1 1 — — o 1 2 1 Mornington ... 2 — 1 1 3 7 Maori Hill ... ... 2 — 2 1 4 Northern ... 1 _ 1 — 2 3 —